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Inflammation and airway microbiota during cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations

Edith T Zemanick1, J Kirk Harris, Brandie D Wagner

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America. edith.zemanick@childrenscolorado.org

Plos One
|May 7, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (PEx), anaerobic bacteria are linked to less inflammation and better lung function compared to Pseudomonas. Treatment impacts these microbes variably, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) are a major cause of morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF), often involving airway infection and inflammation.
  • Complex microbial communities inhabit CF airways during PEx, but their interplay with inflammation and lung function remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationships between airway microbiota composition, inflammatory markers, and lung function in CF patients undergoing treatment for PEx.

Main Methods:

  • Sputum and blood samples were collected from CF subjects during early and late stages of PEx treatment.
  • Microbiota analysis included sputum culture, 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, and quantitative PCR for bacterial detection.
  • Inflammatory markers measured were sputum IL-8, neutrophil elastase (NE), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Lung function was assessed using FEV(1%) predicted.

Main Results:

  • Lower airway microbial diversity during early PEx correlated with higher Pseudomonas relative abundance, reduced lung function (FEV(1%)), and elevated CRP.
  • In contrast, anaerobic bacterial genera were associated with reduced inflammation and improved lung function.
  • While Pseudomonas abundance decreased with treatment, the response of anaerobic genera was variable, with Prevotella abundance changes correlating with FEV(1%) variability.

Conclusions:

  • Anaerobic bacteria in CF sputum are associated with less inflammation and better lung function during early PEx, unlike Pseudomonas.
  • CF PEx treatment elicits variable responses in anaerobic microbial communities, underscoring the need for larger studies, especially in patients without typical CF pathogens.

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